Business and legal matters
How to Collect on a Judgment
Winning a judgment is half the battle. Collecting it requires finding the debtor and what they own.
Key points
- Locate the debtor and employer
- Identify reachable assets
- Use legal remedies through counsel
Find the debtor
Current address and employment are the foundation. See debtor location.
Identify assets
Real property, vehicles, business interests, receivables and bank relationships. See judgment debtor investigations.
Legal remedies
Depending on state law: liens, levies, wage garnishment, bank garnishment and debtor examinations. Your attorney chooses the remedies.
Keep it current
Judgments can often be renewed. Periodic checks catch new employment or assets.
Common questions
Do detectives collect money?
No. They locate debtors and identify assets for lawful collection by others.
How long is a judgment valid?
It varies by state, and many can be renewed.
What if the debtor is self-employed?
Business assets and receivables may be reachable.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state; consult an attorney about your situation. See our legal disclaimer.
Related services
Services connected to this guide.
Judgment Debtor Investigations
Locating a debtor and identifying what can satisfy a judgment.
Locate & Records ResearchDebtor Location
Current-address and contact research on individuals who owe money.
Financial & AssetAsset Searches
Identifying real property, vehicles, business interests and other holdings.
Keep reading
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